Green Operations

Automakers Urge DOT to Finalize Fuel Economy Standards Through 2015

February 3, 2009
• by Staff

WASHINGTON – The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is working to bring more fuel-efficient vehicles to market in accordance with President Obama's "sustained effort" to enhance energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Dave McCurdy, president and CEO of Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said the alliance encourages the Department of Transportation (DOT) to finalize and publish federal fuel economy standards through MY 2015 as soon as possible. The alliance needs certainty and adequate lead time to achieve this goal, he said.

"[We] look forward to working with Congress, the states, and the administration to help bridge competing fuel economy proposals, set aggressive standards through 2015, and direct our efforts toward meeting a national standard of at least 35 miles per gallon by 2020," said McCurdy.

Doing so would mean a 40-percent increase in fuel economy, which could dramatically reduce CO2 by a minimum of 30 percent.

Green Operations

A move by the White House to roll back automobile fuel-efficiency targets set by the Obama administration and to challenge the right of California and other states to set stricter tailpipe emission rules faces an uphill climb.

The majority of fleets are reporting that their acquisition strategies are being stimulated by solid organic business growth, with most forecasting an increase or continuation of the same order volume in model-year 2019.